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Sometimes the imaginative yet deep questions of your 5-year old leaves you astonished about their curiosity levels. Being a parent of a 5-year old, finding the right knowledge resources for your munchkin is crucial.
Buying books for a 5-year old can leave you in a pool of thoughts. “Will this book set the right example for my child?” or “Are the children going to find this book interesting?”
Well, these days, books for 5-year olds are not tales picked from ancient times. Modern-day books for 5-year olds can open a whole new world of learning with their constructive stories.
Your blooming bookworms are almost ready to set foot in kindergarten. At this stage, you must pick valuable reads for them. If you are looking for some help to choose the best books for 5 year olds, you’ve come to the right place.
This article will help you build a mini library with the best books for 5-year olds!
Looking for more great book reviews ☍ ? Check out all our articles on this topic.
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20 Best Books for 5 Year Olds to Read
Do you know that 90% of the child’s brain development takes place before five ☍? Interesting, right? Owing to this, you should cherry-pick the best children’s books for 5-year-olds.
This book list has some reads that are best-rated by critics and educations specialists. Let’s take you through each one of them!
Tacky the Penguin
One of our first recommendations would be Tacky the Penguin. Kids enjoy the story of the different little penguins.
One of the life messages that most parents struggle to convey to their children is that “it is okay to be different.”
The book revolves around the character “Tacky the penguin.” This little penguin is very different than the other penguins in the colony. For starters, Tacky makes belly flops while the other penguins deliver graceful and flawless dives.
The other penguins in the colony disagree with Tacky’s individuality and differences.
On one of the occasions, a group of hunters threatens the penguins. It is the “different” Tacky who comes with an innovative solution to escape.
If your young child enjoys stories of Tacky, you should also consider the other books in the Tacky series.
The cute penguins will catch the interest of your little one very quickly. This book has an impactful message about the individuality and unique gifts of every person.
Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin
Dragons Love Tacos is one of the best audiobooks for 5-year-olds. This book claims that all dragons love all types of tacos. The dragons are also fond of a good party. You can invite them over for your taco party.
But, what happens when you give them spicy salsas? Well, that is what the story in this book entails. The funny story and pictures will leave your kids in splits.
If you want some light reading for your child, this book is a great escape. The illustrations are intriguing and eye-catchy.
Corduroy
2018 marks Corduroy’s 50th anniversary, and Don Freeman’s classic character is even more popular today than he was when he first came on the scene. Now his original story is available in an unabridged, sturdy board book format, perfect for even the youngest readers.
Corduroy is our top pick for the best audiobooks for 5-year-olds. This classic tale will enthrall all kids who love the company of cuddly animals.
The story revolves around Corduroy, who is a teddy at a departmental store. One day, a mother disagrees with buying Corduroy for her daughter because it was missing a button.
On the very same day, Corduroy embarks on a store-wide search for its button. However, he ends up with something even better – a friend.
The gentle adventure will delight your kids with its happy ending. You’ll appreciate how the plot is easygoing and how the simple story builds up.
Inky's Amazing Escape: How a Very Smart Octopus Found His Way Home
If you want to introduce your 5-year old to marine life, there’s no better way than Inky’s Amazing Escape. The gorgeous illustrations in the book sum up Inky’s life and journey in the most intriguing way.
The clever octopus tries to find his way home after living for years in an aquarium in New Zealand.
Your children might be able to relate to Inky’s curiosity about exploring the wider world. Most children find the illustrations and the plot to be amusing.
This non-fiction beautiful illustration story has many octopus-related facts. Besides, this true story can open new doors to curiosity and learning. It seamlessly includes sea-world facts in its narrative.
Power Up
If your early reader shows affinity towards non-fiction, they’ll love Power Up. Your children might be surprised to understand the groundbreaking facts about the human body and energy.
Wait for their faces when the story tells them that their pinkie has enough energy to power the entire city!
The author breaks down complicated into bite-sized text with a colorful illustration. It’s apt for classroom learning.
So, if you are looking to feed some science lessons to your kindergartener, Power Up is your best bet.
Power Up is a perfect plot to help your kids explore facts about the human body and energy. It’s lovely how the author makes the information more accessible and fun for kids.
Mr. Popper's Penguins
Mr. Popper Penguin is a good book that most of us have read in our childhood. You can also opt for the audio version of this book. It’s advised for children of 8+ years, but we think your 5 year old would love it.
Though the book dates back to the 1930s, the story remains the favorite amongst current generation kindergarteners.
Mr. Popper, the main character in this book about navigating the Poles and desires to have penguins. It makes a perfect story when Mr. Popper receives a penguin as a pet.
It makes a perfect read-aloud for children. The captivating story and the sprinkles of illustrations will be a fun read for kids.
Kindergarten, Here I Come
If your child is due for kindergarten in the coming months, it’s advisable to grab this book. The book features a set of poems about kindergarten activities. There are instances showcasing recess, counting, show and tell, and whatnot!
The adorable pictures and the simplistic text make it one of the best books for 3-5-year-olds. It explores every minuscule aspect of kindergarten life.
So, if your kid has hesitation in going to pre-school, you can take the help of this lovely text!
This book is exceptional simply because it can help your child prep up for pre-school. The book uses illustrations that are a true reflection of the real-life kindergarten world.
Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes
The groovy shoes of Pete the Cat are quite the globetrotter! Pete sings tunes on his boots and explores different locations of the school. When things take a bitter side, he keeps himself positive.
The positive and vibrant attitude is just like that of pre-schoolers. If your child is starting pre-school soon, this book will assist you in prepping them for it.
Pete’s adventures around the school will tickle the funny bones in your child. Pete the Cat has other exciting experiences as well.
The children will be able to relate well to the familiar character. It explores school building, and the story can reflect a kid’s experiences and emotions.
The Kissing Hand
Is it going to be your child’s first day at pre-school on some days? The Kissing Hand is a fantastic read for nervous children gearing for the first day at school.
In the story, Chester, the raccoon, doesn’t want to leave the comfortable bubble of his home. Chester’s mother responds with a great solution.
Many parents claim that reading The Kissing Hand to their kids has helped them eliminate first-time school woes.
You should also know that there are other books about Chester.
This book deals with a sensitive topic for a 5-year old in the utmost gracious manner. A 5-year old will perhaps relate to the story and find it very interesting.
Today I Will Fly! (An Elephant and Piggie Book)
Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.
Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.
Gerald and Piggie are best friends.
‘Today I Will Fly’ is a perfect way to introduce your kids to an Elephant and Piggie book. This book introduces your child to Gerald, the elephant, who has a worrying and careful nature. Gerald’s best friend, Piggie, on the other hand, is a lively and carefree character.
Piggie wants to fly, but Gerald doubts her plans and abilities. However, Piggie makes her dream come true with help from some of her other friends.
The simple dialogues in the book are what make it an exciting read.
It is an excellent book if you want your kids to love read-aloud sessions. The book’s illustrations carefully enlighten your child about emotions and actions.
Caps for Sale: A Tale of a Peddler Some Monkeys and Their Monkey Business
Caps for Sale is one story that all of us have heard at least once in our lifetime. This picture book is the favorite of many children across the world. The story is almost a century old. Nevertheless, it has not lost its ability to impress young readers.
A great deal of repetition in the story helps the kids to pick up reading patterns. The kids seem to love the different colors on the cap. Overall, the illustrations are very striking.
It is a straightforward and subtle tale that impresses readers of every age. Most of the text is relatively easy to understand, and the characters are fun too.
Courage
Courage discusses the showcase of braveness by police officers, firefighters, and other daily-life examples.
The books lack a plot, but that’s the very beauty of it. The watercolor illustrations are soothing to the eye. It can help a 5-year old comprehend that courage has many models.
It nudges them to be brave in the smallest of incidents. With the help of this book, the children can identify courage in things around them.
The volume of entertainment and value is maximum in this book. The artful text and characters provoke children to take bold actions.
Hair Love
Hair Love is one of the most beautiful and expressive books on this list. The message of self-confidence is duly delivered in the story. Moreover, the book celebrates the unique relationship of a father and daughter.
Zuri is well aware that her unusual hair has quirks. She finds it fun to have different hairstyles. The twist? It’s her father who has to come up with beautiful hairstyles to keep up with his daughter.
Sony Pictures also have an Oscar-winning film on the same book.
It touches the concept of relationships and self-confidence in the most genuine way. Not only kids, but even parents of 5-year olds find the story to be comforting.
Pig the Pug
Kindergarten teachers often find it hard to get the attention of young fickle-minded pre-schoolers. What better way to do it than a book with a doggie as the main character? Pig the pug is the main character of the book.
Pig has heaps of toys. But, Pig refuses to share them with his friend Trevor, a dachshund. The rhyming verse is one of the unique aspects of the book. Not to mention the beautiful
One of the best books when it comes to explaining the concept of sharing to kids. Also, the caricatures and the illustrations will indeed induce some giggling.
How to Catch a Mermaid
The illustrations and the beautiful story make it one of the best audiobooks for 5-year-olds. One of our most favorite things about this book is how they use images. If your child deters from reading, these illustrations are sure to catch their attention.
The irresistible under-the-sea images might just be the fun your kid is missing. The Catch book series is by far one of the most exciting picks for 5-year olds.
This book follows STEM themes and helps the kid to expand vocabulary. The text or the illustrations are not too overwhelming.
Rosie Revere, Engineer (The Questioneers)
Rosie Revere will encourage the little inventor and thinker in your child. This book features a story about Rosie, the inventor who is fond of inventing random stuff.
The character creates these unusual items at night and hides them around.
One of Rosie’s fear is “failure.” Rosie’s great-great-aunt explained to her how failure is an integral part of learning and growing.
Parents love the idea and scheme of introducing failure to their kids. The illustrations and mesmerizing.
The books have a powerful message for your young reader. It celebrates failure to help kids understand that it is not a big deal.
One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish
This Dr.Seuss book doesn’t have a storyline. Nevertheless, your kids will enjoy the playful rhyme sets and silly pictures across the book.
The best part is that the words are easy to read. Therefore, you can encourage your child to read a few words. What’s more, they also cover opposites and counting.
Dr. Seuss is a hit with families.
It grabs the attention of young readers with funny characters and rhymes. Children thoroughly seem to enjoy this read.
Bob Books, Set 1
If the kids know their letters and alphabets, the Bob Books, Set 1 can be a good read for them. This set has about 12 different books. Each book has increasing levels of sounds to help your child grow.
This set of books only use three-letter words. You’ll also notice that the illustrations are pretty simple. If you are looking to build your child’s confidence in reading, it is one of the best books for 3-5-year-olds.
Most parents have positive reviews about the set of books.
This set of Bob Books is the best in terms of quality and ease of reading. It introduces academics to children in the best possible way.
Charlotte's Web
Charlotte’s Web is one of the best chapter books. It leaves behind all the complications and engrosses the children in the world of animals. The story of the little farm girl and her unusual friendship with the spider has touched many parts.
The ups and downs in the story are something that will take your kid for a joyride. It is one of the must-reads for children.
Though this is not a new entrant, the story remains as fresh and exciting as ever!
Charlotte’s Web is a soulful and emotionally touching story. This book is great for some light reading to your children.
The Ralph Mouse Collection (The Mouse and the Motorcycle / Runaway Ralph / Ralph S. Mouse)
This three-book box set includes the entire Ralph S. Mouse series:
The Mouse and the Motorcycle
Runaway Ralph
Ralph S. Mouse
The funny, highly illustrated Ralph S. Mouse books will have both eager independent readers and reluctant readers smiling and flipping pages. These classics for boys and girls ages 7-12 stand the test of time.
If you are looking for the best chapter books for 5-year-olds, here it is! The collection has three books and revolves around the character Ralph, who is a brave mouse. Ralph doesn’t scare away like the other mice in his family.
The other mice despise humans and consider them as threats. Ralph, on the flip side, tries to connect to a human and becomes friends with him.
Courage can be a complicated topic to impart to children. However, this book seamlessly discusses the issue. With its unusual plot, the Ralph Mouse collection makes sure to capture the attention of young readers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Five is an early yet critical age ☍. What you teach right now is going to stay with your child forever. This thought might put you in a fix while choosing the best books for 5-year olds.
It’s natural for you to have a few lingering questions. Hopefully, you’ll have some clarity with these answers to frequently asked questions.
What Should a 5-Year-Old Be reading?
Typically, a 5-year old can read vowel words. Therefore, it is wise to choose storybooks that do not have more than three or four-letter words. They can identify the small details of the story, like who and what.
Mostly at this stage, you have to read aloud stories to them. However, you can try asking them to understand and try to read some words from books.
Which Roald Dahl Books Are Suitable for 5-Year-Olds?
Roald Dahl writes some of the most fantastic and intriguing stories for children. The writer has some of the best chapter books for 5-year olds.
You can buy Fantastic Mr. Fox ☍ for your little one.
This book is great for beginner readers. Typically, the other Roald Dahl books will be more suitable for children aged 7 to 9.
What Is a Good Chapter Book For a 5-Year-Old?
Sometimes, children tend to get bored with the same short stories. Here are the best chapter books for 5-year-olds:
Raggedy Ann Stories ☍
A Beatrix Potter Treasury ☍
The Complete Book of the Flower Fairies ☍
Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairy Tale ☍
Toys Go Out ☍
Babe the Gallant Pig ☍
What Books Should I Read to My 5 Years Old?
There are gazillions of books that you can read to your 5-year old. You should pick books that show the ethics of characters.
Try to settle for books that reflect their daily emotional experiences. The best books are the ones that are both informative and behavior-shaping.
We’ve just advised you on 20 of them. You can pick any of these 20 suggestions to read to your child.
Wrap Up
The last thing you want your 5-year old is to learn something inaccurate. With these fantastic book suggestions, we are sure that you can nudge your child in the right direction.
If you are looking to encourage good manners and proper behavior in your child, these books can help you out. Setting the foundation of your child’s learning at the very early stages is crucial.
Introducing reading habits is one of the best practices you can adopt for your toddler. We curated this guide, keeping in mind how picky and choosy children can get.
It’s phenomenal how subtly books can introduce the real world to your child. Pick one or a few books from our collection for your budding learners!
